Tommy Fleetwood may be the PGA Tour’s highest-earning player without a win, but his grace in defeat continues to win hearts every time, including one from the LPGA’s most outspoken voice, Paige Spiranac.
Paige Spiranac voices her feelings after Tommy Fleetwood’s brutal loss at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. (Credits: Getty Images)
Paige Spiranac voices her feelings after Tommy Fleetwood’s brutal loss at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. (Credits: Getty Images)
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Fleetwood entered Sunday’s final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship with a one-shot lead, poised to secure his first PGA Tour title since turning pro in 2010.
Despite a strong week, a bogey on the 17th hole dropped the 34-year-old out of contention. He finished tied for third at 15-under alongside World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, whereas Justin Rose claimed the title after a playoff win over J.J. Spaun.
While fans flooded social media with sympathy and frustration, Paige Spiranac expressed her sympathy for the PGA Tour star.
“You really have to feel for (Tommy) Fleetwood at this point. Brutal,” Spiranac posted on X on Sunday night.
You really have to feel for fleetwood at this point. Brutal.
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) August 10, 2025
Her comment quickly gained traction, echoing the sentiment of thousands who watched Fleetwood’s hopes unravel late in the round. But what followed was a masterclass from the seven-time DP World Tour winner.
Hours after the heartbreaking loss, Fleetwood responded not with excuses but with admiration for his friend and playing partner.
“With every disappointment I truly know I’m closer and closer and even more determined than ever that I will get this done,” he wrote on X. “The support I’ve received is invaluable and hugely appreciated, we’ll get there together! @JustinRose99, your win is inspiring, congratulations my friend!! A new week. See you at work!!”
Rose, who birdied the final hole to force a playoff and then sealed his 12th PGA Tour win with a clutch putt on the third extra hole, praised Fleetwood’s spirit in his post-round interview after the win.
“This one felt quite stoic in the sense of determination, execution,” Rose told reporters during the press conference on Sunday. “There were a few different agendas—playing with Tommy (Fleetwood), playing in great spirits in that group, and then kind of turning into the playoff and being that dynamic as it always is with USA, Europe, obviously Ryder Cup around the corner.”
Fleetwood’s composure and Rose’s tribute underscored the bond between the two Englishmen, one forged through years of Ryder Cup battles and Tour camaraderie.
And now, both are officially headed to Bethpage Black.
Following their performances in Memphis, Fleetwood and Rose joined Rory McIlroy as automatic qualifiers for Team Europe at this year’s Ryder Cup in late September. Fleetwood will make his fourth consecutive appearance, while Rose returns for his seventh.
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